7 Ways to support refugees this Christmas
Christmas is the best time of the year for most of us! There is no one who does not love Christmas shopping and gifts. At the same time, as we approach the end of the year, we evaluate the year 2022 and start to think about our expectations from the new year.
Would you like to think about and support people from a refugee and migrant background this Christmas?
In this blog post, we're sharing 6 ways to support migrants and refugees while doing your Christmas shopping. Keep reading for our suggestions!
How could your Christmas shopping help support people from a refugee and migrant background?
1. Visit ACH's Christmas Markets in Bristol
We've planned Christmas Markets on different dates in Bristol. Christmas markets, where you can find many handmade products, are ideal for the most meaningful gifts!
17th December- Bristol Old Vic, 10 am to 1 pm
25th November- Easton Community Centre 10 am to 4.30 pm
Our clients on the Migrant Business Support Project will be here selling their products this Christmas!
2. Citizens of the World Refugee Choir's Online Christmas Market
Citizens of the World is the UK's leading refugee choir, dedicated to celebrating the voices of people seeking sanctuary and changing the narrative around migration. At their shop, you can purchase exclusive tote bags, kitchenware and digital rewards.
Market open only until 15 December - grab your gifts now!
3. Check out refugee-made gifts from MADE51
MADE51 is brought to life by UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Each MADE51 product that reaches consumer hands plays a part in enabling refugees to contribute to their host country’s economy and strengthens their ties with local society. Each purchase also represents an unmistakable act of solidarity with refugees and an appreciation for the power of the human spirit.
Check out MADE51's Christmas gift options!
4. Meet our Migrant Business Support Project and our Entrepreneurs
ACH's Migrant Business Support project launched in 2021. ACH, along with our partners from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and the University of Bristol, supports people from migrant backgrounds starting their own businesses from their very first steps.
1. @Mariah Craftart : Maria makes lovely crochets giftings and you can find her lovely items on her Etsy Shop.
2. @Twinkle Leo : Tetyana makes pretty blankets and baby bedding sets and you can find her products on her Etsy Shop.
3. @Ann Winn Boutique : Winny sells African fashion products(bags, clothes, hats…) You can visit her stand at our Christmas Markets!
4. Versailles Design Shop: Maria is from Ukraine and she makes and sells beautiful handmade accessories. If you want to buy her handmade products, you can send Dm to her instagram account.
5. Art for Refugees Christmas Cards
We can't imagine a Christmas without Christmas Cards!
Art For Refugees are launching their very own range of Christmas cards to help raise money for the two charities. Currently Art for Refugees donates 50% of all profits to Choose Love: Help Refugees, one of the UK’s leading charities providing support for refugees and displaced communities, and 50% to Action Foundation, an award-winning charity based in Newcastle upon Tyne who support refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants to integrate successfully into the community and lead more independent and resilient lives. Check out their Christmas cards!
6. Sanctuary Store, Every penny of profit will help
City of Sanctuary UK coordinates, supports and grows this network of welcome.
Wear your City of Sanctuary UK merch with pride - every penny of profit will help them to grow this movement of welcome.
7. Shop from refugee-owned businesses – ANQA Collective
Anqa is a marketplace led by refugee founders, selling exciting products and experiences from a new generation of refugee-led businesses. Every purchase from Anqa helps brilliant founders to grow their businesses.
Shop Christmas Collection